I had the procedure done this morning at 11am and I am in the worst pain I have ever been in. I read one comment from a patient who experienced pain for a year...is that possible? Thanks
Each patient is different and it would be difficult to judge the source of the other patient's pain.
That being said, thirty-six hours is when patients normally experience some sensitivity. The first night is always the worst. Contact your dentist should you pain persist.
Sensitivity is common with in-office whitening procedures. The sensitivity ranges from no sensitivity at all, to very sensitive.
In the office we do this procedure daily. If a patient becomes sensitive I have not seen it last more than 24 to 48 hours.
If sensitivity persists past that time there could have been underlying conditions that may have been triggered and I suggest seeing your dentist promptly.
The best remedy is an NSAID like Advil or Aleve. Typically our patients are given an NSAID before they leave and are instructed to take it before bed time. If symptoms do occur they typically do not occur directly after the procedure. Rather they occur multiple hours after the procedure. Taking the NSAID ahead of time may prevent the sensitivity from surfacing.
In my office we put patients on a regimen of high fluoride toothpaste one to two weeks prior to in house whitening. I RARELY get patients with sensitivity. However it can happen and the dentist should give you high fluoride paste to take home and you can take advil / ibuprofen to help relieve this. I would also avoid any food or drink of extreme temperatures. The dentist should have been careful to not place the peroxide on any areas of recession that can cause unecessary discomfort. If the sensitivity lasts more than a few days consult with your dentist, this may indicate a different problem.
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